Among the highlights of the Feb. 20 open meeting of the Greater Long Island Running Club was the presentation of special awards to two local athletes in recognition of their accomplishments in 2006.

Nina Jennings of Mill Neck was presented with the Club's Championship Award for the 70 to 74 age group, and Syosset High School freshman William Janiak was presented with the Club's Championship Award for the 14 and Under Age Group. The awards were presented to the two athletes by Club President Mike Polansky.

"Our Club's mission is to foster running and fitness for individuals of all ages," observed Polansky, "so I am especially pleased to be able to honor a young man like William Janiak at the same time as we honor a veteran athlete like Nina Jennings. Running is truly a lifetime sport, as these awards to William and Nina so graphically demonstrate."

The meeting was held in the auditorium of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library before an audience of about 150 members of the club and guests.